Policy & Research Lead - Healthier Working Lives

The Health Foundation; England; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Health Foundation seeks a Policy and Research Manager to shape employment and health policy in the UK, developing options around the NHS’s role in economic participation and sickness absence. This six‑month post (Dec 2026–Jun 2027) is hybrid, with in‑person work required at least two days per week; salary is £70,124 per year plus excellent benefits.

You will work with the Healthy Lives, Analysis, Research and Communications teams, present to external audiences and draft a range of outputs

Responsibilities

• Develop and take forward a work programme to progress the recommendations made by the Commission for Healthier Working Lives.
• Keep abreast of the current work and health agenda, how changes in trends in health shape people's needs, and how health issues are underpinning the high levels of young people not in education, employment or training.
• Be confident in working with external partners, leading on the delivery of delegated aspects of the programme, following good practice in programme and project management.
• Horizon scan external developments in related areas of policy, practice, research and data, to ensure the work programme remains relevant and leading debate in this area.
• Work with the wider Healthy Lives team, Analysis team, Research team and Communications to ensure that the team's activity has external relevance to the work and health agenda and is impactful in promoting policy and practice that supports good health.
• Present to external audiences at various events including roundtables and seminars, and leading events with external stakeholders.
• Draft and contribute to a range of high-quality outputs including reports, briefings, blogs, presentations and interactive web tools.

Job description

The Health Foundation seeks a Policy and Research Manager to shape employment and health policy in the UK, developing options around the NHS’s role in economic participation and sickness absence. This six‑month post (Dec 2026–Jun 2027) is hybrid, with in‑person work required at least two days per week; salary is £70,124 per year plus excellent benefits.

You will work with the Healthy Lives, Analysis, Research and Communications teams, present to external audiences and draft a range of outputs